VIP Customer Newsletter Issue 20

Following my last update in the December newsletter, this one is very much ‘as you were’. In that, I talked about a challenging market and profitability being two key themes and those have very much continued this last quarter.

The gradual improvement since the market decline last year, has continued, with this last quarter being our strongest against budget so far. Healthy sales on AMD, software, graphics cards and motherboards all helped contribute towards this.

Despite VIP being in a strong position and remaining profitable (no mean feat in the current climate), there are continuing challenges outside of our control, which have tangible impacts on our business. That said, all we can do is continue to do what we do and do it well.

Post-peak has seen us getting back out on the road and visiting customers, including some of our European resellers. We always enjoy meeting our partners face to face, so if this is of interest, please reach out and we’ll look to get a date scheduled. In a similar vein, VIP recently attended BETT in London, one of the flagship events for

education technology, checking out the latest tech, and meeting with key partners from the education and B2B sectors. This comes after our Supply Chain Director and I attended CES in Las Vegas at the turn of the year, with short throw projectors and portable gaming monitors being two of the more prominent pieces of tech from our sector to gain serious spotlight.

March saw us putting together our first draft of budgets for our next financial year, which starts in July, and as part of this we have been in conversations with a number of new vendors. I can’t reveal anything for now, but new products will be arriving at VIP in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled on our socials for more. As always, we continue to keep enhancing and bolstering our offering for you, our loyal partners.

As we move forward, we’ll look to gear up for B2B peak and back to school seasons, both of which are on the horizon. In summary, there’s no doubt that the current economic situation is creating challenging circumstances for all parties in our channel at present, but equally, many of us capitalised from a booming IT channel during the 2-3 years over Covid and lockdowns. It’s important

we take a step back and look at the bigger picture because I’d have bitten your hands off for three years like we’ve just had. I just wish it was a little more linear, so we could all plan a little easier. Nevertheless, this is where we believe VIP thrives, as an independent distributor that is fleet of foot and can adapt quickly. In turn, this should allow us to support our customers through these periods and as such any feedback or ideas you have on how we can improve are very much welcomed.

My thanks for reading and I hope you all had a fantastic Easter.

~ Sales Director

Windows 11 the most secure Windows

Get the best and most secure Windows experience with Windows 11.

With powerful built-in, Zero-Trust security to safeguard your data and identity, its easy to stay safe and protected with Windows 11.

From the box to startup to browsing, Windows 11 helps you stay secure.

Next-generation antivirus and malware protection. Tracking prevention.1

Biometric logins.2 Windows 11 features all builtin, always updated, and at no extra cost to users.3

1. Requires the latest version of Microsoft Edge.

2. Requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IT sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.

3. During the device support period provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Windows Security

Windows yet

Safeguard business data and identity with powerful built-in security:

Hardware-based isolation

Encryption Malware protection

Identity protection with password-less security

Help protect customer data and access with a Zero Trust-ready OS.

It’s easy to stay protected with Windows 11

VIP Computers recommends Windows 11

Is it worth moving to Windows

Windows 10 became end of life with distributors in December 2022, which means when it comes to buying new Windows software, Windows 11 is the only choice once all existing stock of Windows 10 is exhausted.

As the latest version of the OS, Windows 11 provides the best and most secure Windows experience possible. The most recent update of Windows 11 made further improvements to the OS bringing new features, performance improvements and design changes which now make it the best option for most users.

As you know, PCs must meet the minimum requirements for upgrades, but this gives resellers the opportunity to upsell components or a brandnew device. The main requirement for upgrade is for the device to have a TPM 2.0 installed. TPM 2.0 is used as the security baseline in the hardware for features like Zero Trust in Windows 11, and most laptops and PCs sold in the last 5 years will already have it, but it could be disabled by default, so it’s worth consulting the motherboard manufacturer to see if the TPM 2.0 support can be enabled in the BIOS. This isn’t new technology however, as it is also used with Windows 10 so if the device features a 1GHz CPU with 2 or more cores and is at least 5 years old you should be able to upgrade but use the Windows PC Health Check app to see if devices are suitable for Windows 11. Alternatively, view full system requirements or find out more on how to Enable TPM 2.0.

Windows 11?

What are the standout features?

Security is a big one. As we’ve already mentioned, Windows 11 is the most secure Windows to date. It is Zero Trust-ready and helps users to stay secure with the following built-in features that are always updated and at no extra cost1.

• Next-generation antivirus and malware protection.

• Tracking prevention2.

• Biometric logins3.

Zero Trust is a security model based on the premise that no user or device anywhere can have access until safety and integrity is proven.

Windows 11 is designed for hybrid working as it has the security, productivity and useability features users need to work anywhere. Whether working from home, the office, the coffee shop or on the go, taking care of business is simple and seamless with all the features needed to get tasks done efficiently.

The new collaboration tools enable better connections and communication between teams. A simplified interface offers increased useability whilst Focus features and Snap Layouts empower productivity along with Tabs in File Explorer, a new Task Manager and Start Menu to name a few.

App compatibility and cloud management provide an easy and consistent experience for IT teams. It offers a natural transition from

Windows 10 but with enhanced security and scanning, improved app compatibility and easier access to services. Find out more here.

Windows 11 has some great features for gaming. PC Game Pass provides access to hundreds of high quality PC games, including new releases.4 Auto HDR unlocks more colours, providing vivid highlights and shadows, to make games come to life on compatible displays.5 Whilst DirectStorage allows larger worlds with greater detail to load in less time and is now supported on more storage configurations.6 DirectX 12 ray tracing simulates how light behaves to provide natural light in virtual worlds such as lifelike reflections, shadows and refractions. Some of these features do work on Windows 10 also, but Windows 11, on a new PC, will take full advantage of the device’s modern hardware.

There are a host of tips and tricks available to help get the most out of Windows 11 and use it like a pro.

For new PC builds, you should have no doubts that Windows 11 is the best choice for your users. For those who aren’t ready or willing to move to Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to provide critical updates and security patches until October 14th 2025. However, it won’t likely receive new features like Windows 11, as previous releases have seen these only deployed to the new OS.

Continued...

Don’t just take our word for it...

“A radically modernized, more consistent design for Windows 11 belies what is really more of an evolutionary update to the world’s most popular desktop operating system.”

4.0 Excellent

“Windows 11 retains most of the vast feature set of Windows 10 and enhances the operating system with more attractive, modern interface touches and new conveniences like Snap Layouts and Widgets. For those reasons, Microsoft Windows 11 remains a PCMag Editors’ Choice-winning desktop operating system, alongside the highly polished and capable Apple macOS.”

Your destination for genuine Windows 11

VIP is the UK’s leading authorised Windows 11 distributor. There’s no better place to go to support your Windows 11 sales, because we only sell the genuine article. Give your customers the peace of mind they need with protection, security, updates and after sales support provided

by Microsoft along with great pricing, bundle deals and in-store support for resellers.

Buy Windows 11 now or contact your account manager for our latest pricing.

VIP Computers recommends Windows 11 BUY

Launching in Q2

COMPETITIVE SPEED ON A HUGE SCREEN, AGON BY AOC LAUNCHES

LARGE 32” GAMING MONITOR

AG325QZN/EU

WITH 240 HZ, UP TO 1 MS GTG AND HDR

AGON by AOC – one of the world’s leading gaming monitor and IT accessories brands – announces the next model from the AGON gaming monitor series. The 32” (80 cm) AGON AG325QZN/EU features a fast VA panel, which can run at a dazzling 240Hz refresh rate. With an impressive 3000:1 contrast ratio, deep blacks, rich colours and a DisplayHDR 400 certification, the AG325QZN/EU delivers jaw- dropping visuals, and its fast responsiveness with up to 1ms GtG response time and 0.5ms MPRT shows that it is built for competitive titles. Thanks to its imposing size, the AG325QZN/EU suits a wide range of use cases, from large gaming stations to couch-gaming or dedicated simulator setups.

THE LARGER, THE BETTER

While FPS esports players prefer smallersized displays (27″ or even 24″) to better focus on all the action happening at once, esports and competitive gaming cover a variety of genres, where a 32″ display size can make more sense. Action/RPG titles, fighting games, real-time and turn-based strategy games, or simulation games, all benefit from a larger display size to better display intricate details and/or immerse the player in the action itself.

A 32″ display such as the AG325QZN/ EU offers more screen real estate whilst keeping the common 16:9 aspect ratio, making the adjustment easy for players. The AG325QZN/EU features a QHD resolution (2560x1440), which is the sweet spot for rich details and high framerates. Compared to 4K, for example, modern GPUs can achieve 240 fps on a QHD resolution much easier in many titles, allowing gamers to take advantage of the high refresh rates from day one. And thanks to the high refresh rate and high-resolution combination, the AG325QZN/EU is a future-proof gaming display which can serve gamers for years on end.

FAST ACTION, FAST RESPONSE

The AG325QZN/EU employs a panel, offering fast pixel transition times (up to 1 ms GtG) and low pixel persistence (0.5 ms MPRT), with different overdrive levels to choose from, so gamers can finetune the responsiveness of the monitor to their taste to achieve a ghosting-free experience. Adaptive-Sync support ensures tear-free and stutter-free gaming on both platforms. Whereas on a monitor, the user will see a new frame every 16ms, this is reduced to just 4ms on

a 240Hz refresh rate monitor. With just a short time between frames, gamers will feel more connected to the game –enabling them to react quicker to their opponents’ actions and ultimately win the competition.

VERSATILE AND FLEXIBLE

Outside of gaming hours, the large 32″ display size makes the monitor a beast for productivity in day-to-day tasks. The large screen area allows users to open and work on multiple application windows simultaneously. Thanks to the VESA Display HDR 400 certification, the AG325QZN/EU renders HDR content in videos and games. And with a peak brightness of 400 nits and wide viewing angles (178/178°), the monitor is also suitable for use in bright indoor settings. A 4-port USB 3.2 hub and an upstream USB port to the PC are also included, allowing users to connect peripherals directly to the monitor, reducing clutter. Just like other AGON 5 models, the AG325QZN/EU features a sleek, angular design with very thin bezels and a sturdy metal stand. The ergonomic stand with tilt (-5/23°) height (150 mm), swivel adjustments and orientation allows comfortable usage for any user and any occasion.

Evnia, a new range of Philips monitors and accessories to reinvent the rules of gaming.

The gaming industry has come a long way. From its simple, two-dimensional debut in the 1970s and 80s, gaming has kept pace with the rapid evolution of digital technology, rising to become not just a form of entertainment but a truly immersive sensorial experience with uniquely powerful appeals. Increasingly, modern gamers expect a brand that reflects the diversity of their tastes and desires while their identities are embraced, which is what led us to Evnia.

The word Evnia (Greek: Εύνοια) consists of eu (good) and nous (mind), which literally means “well mind” and “smart thinking”. Evnia is used as a word to show interest to support and protect someone or something. It’s often used in the context of luck. Everyone can be a gamer, and Evnia, true to the name, supports the joy of gaming for all.

ONE VOICE FOR ALL

The definition of a typical gamer is more diverse than ever – however, the stereotype that gaming is only for teenagers is still the norm. The need for a welcoming community required a brand that could embrace every gamer,

making them feel truly part of the group. Starting from its unique design, Evnia differentiates from the crowd of speconly-driven aggressive models, bringing back the joy and fun of gaming, keeping emotional benefits at the core.

The Evnia range reflects its mantra: “Reinvent the rules”. Far from the known gaming stereotype, Evnia adds freshness, premium and elegance to the mixture. From product lines to Ambiglow lights, it prioritises emotional benefits as well as technical advantages. The sophisticated design fits every environment, being a perfect addition to the furnishing of a casual gamer lounge or a proper PC gaming set-up.

Evnia 7000 - Gaming Beyond Innovation

Stay fully immersed in the outstanding visuals with rich colours and high contrast. The innovative Ambiglow redefines what a gaming environment usually is, levelling up not only your game gear, but also your gaming experience.

Evnia 5000 – Your Gaming Experience to the Utmost

This line-up is designed for the highest intensity gameplay. FreeSync Premium, an ultra-fast 144-240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time create tear-free and low latency gameplay.

FOR B2B

Windows 11 Pro

Designed for the world of hybrid work, Windows 11 Pro can help businesses and users work simply and seamlessly from anywhere.

• A simple, powerful UX helps improve productivity and focus.

• New features enable you to make the most of available desktop space.

• App compatibility and cloud management make adoption easy.

• A Zero Trust-ready OS helps protect data and access, wherever business takes you.

4.0 Excellent

MSI Pro MP241X Series Monitor

This 23.8” full HD monitor from MSI’s business and productivity range delivers the smoothest streaming and online video for an exceptional viewing experience. TÜV Rheinland-certified, Anti-Flicker and Less Blue Light eye-care technologies, along with a 75Hz refresh rate and 178 degree viewing angle, make this the ideal monitor to enhance productivity.

1 2

SKU:122327

SKU:120899

ASUS VP229HE

The ASUS VP229HE is a 21.5 inch full HD monitor that features a frameless IPS panel for wide angle viewing to deliver incredibly sharp imagery and stunning video playback. Up to 75Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync/ FreeSync™ technology to eliminate tracing and ensure crisp and clear video playback. TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light provides a comfortable viewing experience.

MSI Cubi N JSL Barebone Mini PC

This small form factor PC is incredibly versatile and features an Intel Pentium N6000 processor, 4GB DDR4 memory with 128GB SSD and Windows 11 Pro with support for 4K UHD and dual displays. Ideal for mounting on MSI Pro monitors, using the standard VESA mount.

ASUS 4G-AX56

Dual Band WiFi 6 (AX1800) Router

The ASUS 4G-AX56 router supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6 with 80MHz bandwidth and MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies for better capacity and efficiency. It also boasts 1024-QAM for ultra fast WiFi speed and is compatible with ASUS AiMesh WiFi systems.

SKU:122485

3 4 5

SKU:120680

ESPORTS

IN EDUCATION

The esports in education market is booming with more courses on offer than ever before. As gaming moves into classrooms across the country and the esports market set to be worth £1.4 billion by 2025, it represents a massive opportunity for resellers selling into the education sector. CORSAIR and ELGATO solutions are trusted by pros with a legacy for excellence. Built for performance, with features designed for intense competition, responsiveness, comfort, precision and durability. If you have an esports opportunity, here are our most popular options at the moment:

SKU: 121976

SKU: 121081

SKU: 121082

SKU: 122861

SKU: 123040

SKU:123041

CORSAIR HS80 GAMING HEADSET CARBON

CORSAIR SABRE RGB PRO CHAMP MOUSE BLACK

CORSAIR MM350 PRO SURFACE E-XL

CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL CHAMPION KB OPX PBT

CORSAIR ST100 RGB PREMIUM HEADSET STAND

CORSAIR T3 RUSH GAMING CHAIR GREY/WHITE

ELGATO FACECAM PREMIUM WEBCAM

SKU: 121320

ELGATO STREAM DECK MK2

SKU:121648

ELGATO WAVE:3 PREMIUM MICROPHONE

SKU: 121321

AMD RYZEN™ 7000 SERIES DESKTOP PROCESSORS

The revolutionary AMD Ryzen™ 9 7950X3D & AMD Ryzen™ 9 7900X3D with AMD 3D V-Cache™ technology deliver the ultimate gaming performance. These new CPUs combine AMDs top-end processors with up to 144MB of on-chip memory. This means that enthusiasts can harness the power of the ultimate gaming and creator performance in one chip. No workload is off limits with the AMD Ryzen 7000 series and 3D V-Cache technology.

SKU: 123065

SKU: 123066

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D Desktop Processor

AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D Desktop Processor

RAZER WOLVERINE V2 PRO BLACK

CONNECT. CONTROL. CONQUER.

Wireless pro gaming controller for PS5™ consoles and PC, offi cially licensed by PlayStation™ .

Armed with Razer™ HyperSpeed Wireless to deliver an ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless connection via its included USB Type A dongle, the controller ensures seamless performance that meets the demands of competitive gaming on PS5™ consoles and PC. The Razer Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons provide a shorter actuation distance for quicker button presses and improved tactility to feel every input, to bring a whole new level of speed and consistency to the game. Whilst its 8-Way Microswitch D-Pad lets users feel and hear every single directional press as microswitches are engaged, to enable accurate and intentional moves when doing intricate combos.

SKU: 122454

CES 2023

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is always a welcome start to the year, bringing the world a fi rst look at some of the most zany and cutting-edge tech that some of the biggest names in consumer tech have been working on. This year Elliott Hodgeon and Harpreet Sahni were our eyes and ears at the event, meeting our vendors face to face and keeping a lookout for anything that could be coming your way in the near future. We’ll be looking at some of the most exciting hardware, from CES 2023, that we think could make a real impact on technology resellers and consumers alike.

Displays Aplenty

The evolution of display technology remains constant and this year there was no shortage of innovations to behold. While there was a lot to look out for at CES 2023, we were enamoured with all of the weird and wonderful new displays and monitors available, and given the sheer scope of the event, this ended up being a main attraction for us. With short throw laser projectors, wireless TVs, new display technologies and more, CES showed us that the future of displays is an exciting one to watch unfold.

Wireless TVs

One of the most exciting showings was the ‘world’s fi rst truly wireless TV’ from Displace, and the curious display instantly caught our attention. The 55” TV weighs less than 9 kilos and presents

a new value proposition to TV’s, a truly wireless experience. Using proprietary active-loop vacuum technology, the Displace TV can be stuck to walls and windows without the need for brackets and wall mounting. The display is truly wireless, having no ports and no wires. It is powered by hot-swappable batteries that last a month on a single charge (based on 6h/day usage) and it can be snapped together with additional Displace TVs; combining 4 TVs creates a 110” display at an 8K resolution, with 16 TVs creating a 220” display at 16K.

While we don’t expect these to be everywhere, the idea of a portable TV that can be set-up without any wall-mounting is very appealing. Although these TVs might not make their way into every home in 2023, we expect to see more easy mounting solutions make their way across display devices in the near future.

Ultra Short-Throw Laser Projectors

It isn’t just TV’s and monitors that have been evolving, projectors have also made a lot of progress and the ultra-short projector (UST) is the latest innovation that has been making a splash in recent years. While there was a plethora of new and exciting projectors on display, nothing caught our eye quite like the UST laser projectors and laser TVs. Following their debut at CES in 2014 USTs have only gotten better and better, being able to show even 100” displays from just centimetres away while maintaining a high-fidelity, high-resolution image. The UST market has been growing rapidly and has trended towards ditching traditional lamps for lasers, for a much brighter and longer lasting light source that can also deliver HDR viewing experiences. There has also been a trend towards integrating speakers into the parts of the projector that face into the room, leading

to a more direct and more impactful sound than many TV speakers. UST laser technology is still developing and becoming more accessible as a viable replacement for a TV, and this year Samsung and Hisense showed the latest evolution with their 8K resolution UST laser projectors.

While this wasn’t the first time 8K laser projectors have made their way to CES, with Hisense showing a prototype of their 8K projector at CES 2022, this has been the most impressive showing of how far the technology has come. Both Samsung and Hisense showed DLP models that use an RGB laser light source, a 0.94” Texas Instruments chipset, come with built-in Dolby Atmos sound systems, and are both capable of an on-screen peak light output of 400 cd/m². The details of the techniques being used to display at 8K haven’t been revealed, but we assume they are similar to the pixel shifting features found in 8K long throw projectors.

Hisense marketed their 8K UST laser projector as a laser TV and the from the stunning picture quality and vibrant display, it was easy to see why they opted for that comparison. We were impressed by how large the display area was and how close the projector was to the wall, while outputting an outstanding image that could compete with many traditional displays on the market. UST laser projectors have not overcome all of the limitations of projectors (e.g. struggling with maintaining a vivid and convincing image across different lighting conditions) but the significant and consistent improvements, to not only the technology but also the size of the market, are what make this an exciting area to keep your eyes on.

CES 2023

ULED TVs

We’ve seen LED panels develop over the years and make signifi cant improvements in resolution, contrast, brightness, and more. Recently OLED panels have been at the forefront of modern displays, with many manufacturers featuring iterations of the technology in their fl agship products. There are AMOLED, QD-OLED and Neo QLED displays that all offer varying modifi cations and improvements to the already impressive OLED technology and this year Hisense was showing the latest version of their ULED panels. ULED, or Ultra LED, stood out from the crowd and piqued our interest for a few reasons. The fi rst is that it doesn’t refer to a specifi c panel type but is instead a collection of roughly 20 technology patents that Hisense uses to augment the viewing experience on their TVs. Looking beyond the mechanics of the panel technology, the ‘Ultra’ within the name is in reference to the four key areas that ULED TVs focus on: Ultra Wide Colour Gamut, Ultra Local Dimming, Ultra 4K Resolution and Ultra Smooth Motion Rate. This allows a wider selection of high

fi delity displays to be labelled as ULED; unlike OLED displays that turn off backlight LEDs to achieve their inky blacks, ULED displays can still use localised dimming arrays and compensate for the contrast with the rest of their feature set.

Portable Gaming Monitors

Portable monitors are not a new innovation and have been rising in popularity in recent years, but this year we saw a new wave of portable gaming monitors. Portable monitors have been allowing users to enjoy a dual screen setup no matter where they are, but this isn’t without compromise. Typically restricted to 60Hz and missing higherend features that are more power hungry, portable monitors have been great for general computing and offi ce tasks but not so much for more specialised cases. Gaming monitors tend to run at the bleeding edge of display performance with incredibly fast refresh rates and response times taking priority, and features like adaptive sync also playing an important role.

We were thoroughly impressed with how far these gaming portable displays have come, especially with the ASUS offerings. The ROG Strix XG17AHPE USB Type-C Gaming Monitor was an excellent step into the space and offered gamers a 240Hz FHD experience wherever they went. This year ASUS has revealed new additions to their portable gaming monitor line-up with the ZenScreen MB16QHG and the ZenScreen MB17AHG. Sporting refresh rates of 120Hz and 144Hz respectively, these portable displays incorporate AMD FreeSync Premium and DisplayPort Alt-Mode over USB-C and HDMI connectivity.

Massage Chair Healthcare

It wouldn’t be CES without taking a break to look at some of the less conventional tech on display, and this year we were intrigued by Bodyfriend’s massage chairs. The eye-catching seats look like a 90’s artist’s rendition of what chairs in the future would look like. The futuristic looking massage chairs are marketed as healthcare devices, with some models even coming equipped with an EKG heart monitor. Unfortunately we can only speak to their appearance as we didn’t get a chance to try them out at the event, and with a $9500 (€9000) price tag, we doubt we’ll be trying one anytime soon.

Overall, CES was another great opportunity to see what technology is on the horizon, while meeting with our vendors and partners to discuss the future, and we were delighted with the experience and can’t wait to see more of these innovations make their way to consumers.

ASUS ZenScreen MB17AHG

TECH TRENDS 2023

With the fi rst quarter of 2023 coming to an end, we wanted to consider what the rest of the coming months will bring. Smart digital technologies have the potential to change the way we work, do business, interact with employees as well as customers, and how we approach consumer hardware. This article will look at three potential trends that could become major factors this year, and the types of hardware best suited to meet that demand.

The Rise of Artifi cial Intelligence & Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are becoming more prevalent in both consumer and enterprise computing. Resellers could see some value in watching out for hardware designed to support

these technologies, such as high-performance graphics cards and specialised processors.

GPUs are optimised for parallel processing and are commonly used for machine learning and AI tasks. GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD are popular choices for deep learning and training neural networks, and choices will depend on the application. Large language models can be run with a lower spec GPU but if generative text-to-image model was the desired goal, then adding in a more powerful GPU, like the ASUS GeForce RTX 4080 TUF Gaming OC graphics card, would be essential to expedite the process. Paired with a CPU that has AI acceleration features like the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX processor, users can experience top of the line performance as they explore machine-learning and AI.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX

There are more niche hardware components that can be quite useful in machine-learning applications, like Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and AI development kits, but these are of less interest to resellers. FPGAs are hardware components that can be programmed to perform specific tasks, including AI, but are commonly used for edge computing and IoT devices. While AI development kits, such as those offered by NVIDIA and Google, are pre-built hardware platforms that are optimised for developing and deploying AI applications. These kits often include a combination of GPUs, CPUs, and specialised AI accelerators.

The Growth of Smart Home and IoT Devices

According to a Business Insider report, the continued growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) industry is going to be a transformative force across all organisations, and we can expect more than 41 billion IoT devices by 2027 compared to 8 billion just 2 years ago.

Smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems, can be controlled using voice commands through smart speakers or smartphone apps. Many of these devices also utilise machine learning algorithms to learn user preferences and automate tasks; AI and machine learning are critical systems that are continually evolving to provide IoT users with the tools they need to parse mountains of data and quickly discern usable insights, while edge computing solutions are growing more central to IoT discussions and increasingly sophisticated as companies seek to reduce data transmission costs and lower latency.

While we aren’t backing any particular IoT devices in 2023, we are more vocal in our support for the for the technology that supports the infrastructure for IoT devices for different kinds of consumers. We are particularly enthusiastic about the benefits that AI-enabled storage has on video analytics, and have covered that more in this article.

TECH TRENDS 2023

Work From Home Equipment Is Still In Demand

While the COVID-19 pandemic is over and businesses are back in full swing, the need for remote working equipment has not disappeared. According to The State of UK Commerce Report 2023, there is still an increased demand for remote work equipment.

With many people working from home, there has been a surge in demand for laptops, webcams, microphones, and other remote work equipment. With a Brandwatch 2023 Consumer Tech Trends report stating that demand for WFH equipment is not in decline and that laptops, monitors, mice, and keyboards were the most discussed components with regards to remote working.

For monitors, ultra-wide monitors have been a popular choice in 2022, with many consumers looking for a larger and more immersive display for gaming or work purposes. Models like the MSI Optix MPG341QR 34” Ultra-wide Gaming monitor give users an excellent blend of responsive (1ms), high refresh rate (144Hz) and high resolution (4K) computing on an ultra-wide IPS panel.

While mice were popular, gaming mice have continued to be a top-selling peripheral in this category with high-performance options that feature customisable buttons, RGB lighting, and advanced sensors. With options like the CORSAIR M65 RGB Elite Tunable FPS Gaming Mouse or the Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed Gaming Mouse, the market is full of great gaming mice that are still in high demand.

Mechanical keyboards were popular in 2022, with consumers preferring the tactile feedback and durability of mechanical switches over traditional rubber dome keyboards. For a more in-depth look at mechanical keyboards, check out this article, but we suggest looking at trusted brands like CORSAIR and Razer, who offer excellent products like the CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL Champion Series mechanical keyboard or the Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard with Razer green switches.

Big News for Smart Video

Advanced Storage for Smart Video Solutions

The WD Purple™ Pro 22TB* HDD with OptiNAND™ technology delivers massive capacity in an enterpriseclass drive for smart video systems to enable datadriven outcomes. These reliable drives help deliver a smarter world by providing storage capabilities to a new generation of smart video systems.

Learn more at westerndigital.com.

Talk to us, we’d like to collaborate with you!

To support our aim to ‘help your business grow’, we would like to find out what is important to you and how VIP UK can support your business in 2023. Speak to your account manager at your earliest convenience so we can collaborate for mutual success.

If it’s been a while since w e last spoke to you, there’s no better time to speak to us as we have lots of deals available to help you buy smarter.